Combination hand and air force pressure pump and plunger



Dec. 28, 1954 H. MEYER COMBINATION HAND AND AIR FORCE PRESSURE PUMP AND PLUNGER Filed Oct. 14; 1950 INVENTOR fhward 1% er FIGII ATTORNEY United States Patent COMBINATION HAND AND AIR FORCE PRESSURE PUMP AND PLUNGER Howard Meyer, Astoria, N. Y.

Application October 14, 1950, Serial No. 190,161

Claims. (Cl. 4-255) This invention relates to a combination hand and air force pressure pump and plunger.

An object of this invention is to provide a highly improved device of the character described which shall be easy to handle and which shall be easily maneuverable for a variety of purposes and which shall be easily interchangeable from hand operation to air operation, and which may furthermore be used either as a pump or a plunger, or as a combined pump and plunger.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character described comprising an inner cylinder, a piston movable within the inner cylinder, and an outer cylinder spaced from the inner cylinder, whereby the inner cylinder is protected by the outer cylinder, a plston rod being attached to the piston and said rod being provided with a handle at its upper end and said device being further provided with a drain at its lower end so as to prevent splashing near the handle, to protect the hands of the user.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a highly improved device of the character described havmg interchangeable parts which shall be easy to assemble and disassemble, and which can be used for chemical plants or other industrial purposes as well as a household article, and which may be easily operated so as to save time in pump or plunger operation.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a pump of the character described comprising an inner cylinder, a cap fixed at the lower end of the inner cylinder, an outer cylinder surrounding and spaced from the inner cylinder, a cap screwed to the lower end of the outer cylinder, and spaced from the cap on the inner cylinder, and a nipple screwed through registering openings in the caps for the inner and outer cylinders, so as to lock the cap of the outer cylinder against loosening, and a plunger attached to the nipple. With such construction, when the nipple with the plunger thereon is attached to the pump, the cap in the outer cylinder is automatically locked in place.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a highly improved device of the character described which may be used as a hand pump by operating the piston back and forth, and which may be used as a plunger, and which may also be used as a combination pump and plunger for forcing liquids by use of air pressure, and also for hand pumping of liquids.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a pump of the character described in which a rubber bell or plunger is attached to the lower end of the pump and communicates with the inner cylinder, and said bell being adapted to be attached to the pump with the bell projecting away from the piston or with the bell projecting towards the piston. The construction is such furthermore, that a tube may be attached to the pump in communication with the interior of the inner cylinder and the plunger may be attached to the other end of the tube.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a pump of the character described in which the piston rod is hollow and is provided with a T connection exteriorly of the piston, so that either compressed air or liquid may be fed through the T connection and piston rod. With such construction the piston may be pulled back, liquid may be fed to the inner cylinder through "ice and the like. A cap is further provided for closing the lower end of the hollow or tubular piston rod when it is not desired to feed either air or liquid through the piston rod.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a highly improved, strong and durable device of the character described which shall be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and which shall yet be practical and efficient to a high degree in use.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope of invention will be indicated in the following claims:

In the accompanying drawings in which is shown various illustrative embodiments of this invention,

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a device embodying the invention;

2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 22 of Figl. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig.

Fig. 4 is a partial view of the device shown in Fig. 1

with a tube interposed between the plunger bell and the pump; and

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the device embodying the invention and illustrating a modified construction, and with parts broken away and in cross-section.

Referring now in detail to the drawing, 10 designates a device embodying the invention. The device 10 comprises an inner cylinder 11 open at both ends. The cylinder 11 is provided with a circular row of spaced openings 12 near its upper end. At the lower end of the cylinder 11 is fixed a cap 13 formed in its upper surface with an annular groove 14 receiving the lower end edge of the cylinder 11. The cap 13 has a flat upper surface 15 and an annular outer edge 16. It is formed with a central downwardly extending flange 17 and with a central internally screw threaded opening 18 extending through the flange. It is furthermore formed adjacent its outer periphery with a plurality of through openings 19 surrounding the inner cylinder.

The cap 13 may be fixed to the inner cylinder in any suitable manner. It will be noted that the diameter of the bottom cap 13 is greater than the diameter of the inner cylinder so that said cap extends all around beyond the inner cylinder.

Surrounding the upper end of the inner cylinder 11 is a ring 20 fixed thereto in any suitable manner, and disposed above the openings 12. The outer diameter of the ring 20 is the same as the outer diameter of the cap 13. Surrounding the inner cylinder 11 and coaxial therewith is an outer cylinder 23. The inner diameter of the outer cylinder 23 is the same as the outer diameters of ring 20 and cap 13. The upper end of the outer cylinder 23 is at the level of the ring 20. The ring 20 is fixed to the upper end of the cylinder 23. The cap 13 is likewise fixed to the inner surface of the outer cylinder 23.

The cylinder 23 extends below the cap 13 as shown in the drawing. There is thus formed between the inner cylinder 11 and the outer cylinder 23, a cylindrical chamber or space 24. The cylinder 23 is formed at its upper end with external screw threads 25 and adjacent its lower end with external screw threads 26. Screwed to the upper screw threaded portion 25 of cylinder 23 is a top cap 27. Cap 27 has a top wall 28 provided with a downwardly extending internally screw threaded skirt or flange 29 screwed to the threads 25. Extending upwardly from the top wall 28 is a central flange 30 provided with external screw threads 31. Cap 27 is formed with an axial through opening 32 through the top wall 28 and through the flange 30.

Disposed within the inner cylinder 11 is a piston 35. The piston 35 comprises a piston member 36 of felt, leather or any other suitable material. Member 36 is formed with an axial through opening 37. Said member 36 has a wiping contact with the inner surface of the cylinder 11. Extending through the axial opening 37 is a tubular piston rod 40. Piston rod 40 is formed with screw threads 41 at its lower end.

Screwed thereto and contacting the opposite sides of member 2e are nuts 42. Also screwed to the piston rod is a locking nut 43 contacting the upper nut 42/. The piston rod 44 projects below the piston member 36 and said lower end is closed by an internally screw threaded cap 45. The piston rod 4% passes upwardly through'the axial through opening 32 in the cap 27. Fixed to the upper end of the piston rod is a handle 47.

Screwed to the externally threaded stem or flange 30 is a packing gland 48.

Screwed to the externally screw threaded portion 26 of the outer cylinder is a bottom cap 50. The cap 50 has an upwardly extending internally screw threaded skirt or flange 51 engaging the threads 26. It also has a bottom wall 52 formed with a central internally screw threaded opening 53 similar to the threaded opening 13 of the cap 13. It is also formed with a circular row of through openings 54 surrounding opening 53. Screwed through the openings 53 and 18 is an externally screw threaded nipple 55 projecting below the bottom wall 52 of cap 50. Screwed to the nipple 55 is a nut 56 having internal screw threads engaging the nipple. The nut '56 will contact the underside of wall 52 of cap 50 when the nipple is fully screwed in place. Screwed to the external screw threads of the nut 56 is an internally screw threaded sleeve 57. Frictionally fitted on the sleeve 57 is a rubber bell or plunger member 58. As shown in Fig. l, the bell 58 projects downwardly, however if desired the bell 58 with the sleeve 57 may be unscrewed from the nut 56, turned around and screwed thereto with the bell projecting upwardly. Also if so desired the bell may be attached as shown in Fig. l, but the outer rim portion of the bell may be pushed back so as to curve rearwardly, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1.

The operation of the device 10 will now be described. The device may be used as an ordinary plunger such as used for toilet bowls. In other words, the device may be held in the hand and merely reciprocated down into the toilet bowl and worked back and forth as a whole to loosen up a clogged toilet bowl. Furthermore, the handle 47 may be worked up and down to pump air through the nipple 55 and bell 58. The above two operations may be combined, that is, the cylinder may be worked up and down, while the piston is also operated so as to combine the usual plunger operation with an air pump operation. If desired, the bell 58 together with the sleeve 57, nut 56 and nipple 55 may be unscrewed from the lower end of the cylinder. lower end of the pump in its place. The nipple 66 has an externally screw threaded upper end portion 61 which may be screwed through the aligned, central openings 53 and 18 at the lower end of the cylinder,

At the lower end of the screw threaded portion 61 is a flange 52 which may contact the underside of the cap '0. Extending downwardly from portion 62 is a portion 63 formed at its lower end with a thickened flange portion 64. Fitted on to said portion 53 is the upper end of a flexible hose or tube 65. The lower end of the hose may be screwed to the nipple 55 which in turn is connected to the nut 56 and bell 58. With such construction the pump may be used in places which are hard to reach, as for example, in cleaning out pipe lines.

In Fig. 5 there is shown a device 19a embodying the invention and illustrating a modified construction. The device 1 is similar to the device 159. in Fig. 5 however. the bell 58 is shown connected with the rim of the bell projecting upwardly instead of downwardly as in Fig. 1. Also in Fig. 5 there is screwed to the sleeve 57 a sleeve '70 to which is attached a flexible hose 71. Furthermore, the hollow piston rod is provided with a T connection 72 connected to a flexible hose 73, through a hand valve 74. It will be noted in Fig. 5 that the screw cap has been removed so that the hollow piston rod communicates with the interior of the inner cylinder below the piston. With such construction air under pressure may be introduced through the pipe 73, through the piston rod 4-0, through the cylinder and through the hose 71. Furthermore liquids may also be passed through the pump in this manner.

If desired, the handle 47 may first be retracted to bring the piston to the upper end of the cylinder, liquid may then be introduced through the cylinder, through the tube 73. The valve 74 may then be closed and the piston A nipple may then be attached to the pressed down to eject the liquid under force. Chemicals may thus -beused 'to blow out kerosene or ink lines. If desired, liquid may be introduced to the cylinder through pipe 73 with the piston pulled up or retracted. The hose 73 may then be connected to air pressure for forcing the chemical out through the hole 71. The device may be used as a spray in this manner likewise, as for example when spraying trees.

It will now be obvious that the device may be used for industrial uses on soil, kerosene, ink or waste lines, and may also be used in the home. The device is of simple construction. It is adaptable for various uses. It is easily maneuverable and can be changed from hand to air force use easily. The double cylinder warrants long life of the inner cylinder, especially if the outer cylinder should become dented.

It will be noted that if there is any seepage behind the piston the seepage will pass through the openings 12, through the chamber 24 and will drain through openings 19 and 54 at a point removed from the handle so that the hands cannot become burned or soiled. The component parts can easily be assembled and disassembled With little effort, for the purpose intended. The device is useful for home owners and may be used as an ordinary plunger,

or for hand pumping operation. It will clear stoppages rapidly and hence save time in carrying out such operations.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which the several objects of this invention are achieved and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In combination, a cylinder, a piston within the cylinder, a piston rod connected to the piston, caps at the upper and lower ends of the cylinder, said piston rod passing through one of the caps at one end of the cylinder, a handle on the piston rod, a hollow coupling adjacent the other end of the cylinder and in communication therewith, a plunger bell having a neck portion mounted on said coupling, and an elongated flexible tube, one end of the latter having a coupling connected to the first recited coupling, said piston rod being hollow, and conduit means connected to the piston rod exteriorly of the cylinder.

2. A device of the character described comprising an inner cylinder, a cap at the lower end of the inner cylinder, said cap being formed with an axial screw threaded opening, said cap extending beyond the inner cylinder, a ring surrounding the upper end of the cylinder, an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder and spaced therefrom and contacting the cap and the ring to form a chamber between the inner and outer cylinders, said inner cylinder being formed with openings adjacent its upper end communicating with said chamber, said cap being formed with openings communicating with said chamber, a cap screwed to the upper end of the outer cylinder, a piston within said inner cylinder, a piston rod attached to the piston and passing through the cap at the upper end of the outer cylinder, a handle on said piston rod, a cap screwed to the lower end of the outer cylinder and being formed with a central screw threaded opening, said cap being formed with openings spaced from said central openings, a nipple screwed through the central openings of the caps at the bottom ends of the inner and outer cylinders, and a nut screwed to the nipple and contacting the cap at the lower end of the outer cylinder.

3. A device of the character described comprising an inner cylinder, a cap at the lower end of the inner cylinder, said cap being formed with an axial screw threaded opening, said cap extending beyond the inner cylinder, a ring surrounding the upper end of the cylinder, an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder and spaced therefrom and contacting the cap and the ring to form a chamber between the inner and outer cylinders, said inner cylinder being formed with openings adjacent its upper end communicating with said chamber, said cap being formed with openings communicating with said chamber, a cap screwed to the upper end of the outer cylinder, a piston within said inner cylinder, a piston rod attached to the piston and passing through the cap at the upper end of the outer cylinder, a handle on said piston rod, a cap screwed to the lower end of the outer cylinder and being formed with a central screw threaded opening, said cap being formed with openings spaced from said central openings, a nipple screwed through the central openings of the caps at the bottom ends of the inner and outer cylinders, and a nut screwed to the nipple and contacting the cap at the lower end of the outer cylinder, and a plunger bell attached to said nut.

4. A device of the character described comprising an inner cylinder, a cap at the lower end of the inner cylinder, said cap being formed with an axial screw threaded opening, said cap extending beyond the inner cylinder, a ring surrounding the upper end of the cylinder, an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder and spaced therefrom and contacting the cap and the ring to form a chamber between the inner and outer cylinders, said inner cyl' inder being formed with openings adjacent its upper end communicating with said chamber, said cap being formed with openings communicating with said chamber, a cap screwed to the upper end of the outer cylinder, a piston within said inner cylinder, a piston rod attached to the piston and passing through the cap at the upper end of the outer cylinder, a handle on said piston rod, a cap screwed to the lower end of the outer cylinder and being formed with a central screw threaded opening, said cap being formed with openings spaced from said central openings, a nipple screwed through the central openings of the caps at the bottom ends of the inner and outer cylinders, a nut screwed to the nipple and contacting the cap at the lower end of the outer cylinder, and a plunger bell attached to said nut, said piston rod being tubular.

5. A device of the character described comprising an inner cylinder, a cap at the lower end of the inner cylinder, said cap being formed with an axial screw threaded opening, said cap extending beyond the inner cylinder, 8. ring surrounding the upper end of the cylinder, an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder and spaced there'- from and contacting the cap and the ring to form a chamber between the inner and outer cylinders, said inner cylinder being formed with openings adjacent its upper end communicating with said chamber, said cap being formed with openings communicating with said chamber, a cap screwed to the upper end of the outer cylinder, a piston within said inner cylinder, a piston rod attached to the piston and passing through the cap at the upper end of the outer cylinder, a handle on said piston rod, a cap screwed to the lower end of the outer cylinder and being formed with a central screw threaded opening, said cap being formed with openings spaced from said central openings, a nipple screwed through the central openings of the caps at the bottom ends of the inner and outer cylinders, a nut screwed to the nipple and contacting the cap at the lower end of the outer cylinder, a plunger bell attached to said nut, said piston rod being tubular, and a cap screwed to the lower end of the piston rod.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Number Date 766,734 Schellhammer Aug. 2, 1904 886,353 Darling May 5, 1908 948,590 Lundgren Feb. 8, 1910 1,040,276 Coleman Oct. 8, 1912 1,133,270 Dale Mar. 30, 1915 1.705,401 Grimley Mar. 12, 1929 1,723,765 Churchill Aug. 6, 1929 1,745,923 Frizzell Feb. 4, 1930 1,861,899 Beach, Jr. June 7, 1932 1,922,721 Weichhart Aug. 15, 1933 2,044,594 Scholfield June 16, 1936 2,129,415 Foutenot Sept. 6, 1938 2,187,043 MacMillan Jan. 16, 1940 2,267,064 Wikelund Dec. 23, 1941 2,456,092 Storevik Dec. 14, 1948 

